Executive Team
RAJ SHAH
President
Raj Shah is the founder and President of Universal VAT Services. Raj, a seasoned tax expert and a successful entrepreneur, has created and run several successful companies for over three decades. As a finance professional, he has always had the enviable gift of being able to recognize the potential of every profitable financial opportunity that came his way and convert it to a successful business enterprise. His principal objective is to help companies and educational institutions understand that several countries have tax laws in place that allow foreign business travelers to recover a significant portion of their overseas business expenses, paid as VAT.
Raj@UVSVAT.comSAM SHAH
CPA Chief Operating Officer
Among Sam’s many skills are his abilities to convert any business into a highly efficient and profit making enterprise that performs at its very best. With proven leadership experience, he is able to drive value for a business, in diverse global environments, including the launching of new operations, building networks and tapping into value creation opportunities by utilizing the right people, processes, and technology. Sam worked for the Coca-Cola Company for over 27 years and was in charge of their financial division in South East Asia and the Pacific region. Sam is a significant asset to the UVS team, as he works to enable successful VAT solutions that will positively impact UVS clients' financial bottom lines.
Sam@UVSVAT.comSHILPA MEHTA
Managing Partner UVS India Operations
A graduate from Georgia State University, Shilpa Mehta is the Managing Partner of UVS India LLP. She has built the UVS back-office organization in India that efficiently processes VAT refund claims for clients located all over the world. Operating out of Mumbai, she has, over the years, offered invaluable support to the UVS head office in Atlanta in maximizing VAT refunds for its global clientele. She has been at the helm of UVS India since 2003. Shilpa had previously worked in the Factoring Division of C&S Bank, now acquired by Bank of America.
Shilpa@UVSVAT.comGAMZE PEHLIVANOGLU
Partner UVS Turkey Operations
Gamze Pehlivanoglu a graduate in Business Administration and Finance, is Vice President and Treasurer of UVS Turkey Inc since 2006. UVS Turkey is the pioneer VAT recovery company and market leader in the country. Gamze has previously worked for leading multinational corporates.
Gamze@UVSVAT.comDEEPA KUMAR
Director of Operations
As Director of Operations at UVS , Deepa Kumar manages global operations and VAT recovery for high value clients. She has an MBA in finance and over seven years of experience in the banking and finance Industries.
Deepa@UVSVAT.comMANO CHANDRA DHAS
Global Account Manager
With a career spanning almost 40 years in the travel industry (both airlines and travel management companies), Mano brings to UVS his vast experience, particularly in Corporate Travel Management. He set up and managed what is today HRG Middle East and West Asia for the Emirates Airlines Group, covering 15 countries. In his last assignment in the Persian Gulf, Mano was Country Manager, United Arab Emirates for Carlson Wagonlit Travel. He is currently based in Bogotá, Colombia.
Mano@UVSVAT.comCIARAN CALDWELL
Representative for UK and Northern Ireland
Ciaran joined Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in Londonderry in 1998. After several years as an Overseas VAT Refund Auditor, he was moved seamlessly to the job of Enquiry Officer. His last job with HMRC involved resolving complex VAT refund issues with regard to the 13th and 2008/9/EC Directives. As a former officer of HMRC, with over 18 years of hands-on experience and his in-depth knowledge of the UK and Northern Ireland VAT refund processes, Ciaran is the go-to person for UVS clients who do business in UK/Northern Ireland. He is based in Londonderry in Northern Ireland.
Ciaran@UVSVAT.comSAMUEL THOMAS
IT Administrator
Samuel manages and maintains the UVS VAT IT network which involves our online platforms and state-of-the-art client reporting platforms. He keeps our IT and cloud infrastructure up to date and secure which helps better our client reporting processes. Reach out to him to know more about our cloud reporting platforms and technical support on the same.
Samuel@UVSVAT.com